New York Rangers forward Derek Stepan was shaken up after an open-ice collision with Washington Capitals forward Troy Brouwer.
The collision occurred in the opening minute of the third period in Wednesday’s game, as the Capitals were breaking up the ice with the puck. Stepan was backing up through the neutral zone, when Brouwer, cutting across the middle, hit Stepan, sending him to the ice.
Stepan left the game but returned later in the period. As Andrew Gross of The Record in New Jersey reported, Stepan had to go through the concussion protocol.
Vigneault used the words "principle point of contact" to describe Brouwer's contact with Stepan's head, which is true
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) October 17, 2013
Stepan said Brouwer told him on the ice he didn't see him. Called it a hockey play, not upset with Brouwer.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 17, 2013